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UK receiver Baker out for season

Kentucky wide receiver Dorian Baker looks to get past Louisiana Monroe cornerback Rob'Donovan Lewis during the first half of the of an NCAA college football game in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Kentucky won the game 48-14. (AP Photo/David Stephenson)(Photo: David Stephenson / AP)

Rivalry week got off to a rough start for Kentucky when coach Mark Stoops announced Monday that freshman wide receiver Dorian Baker suffered a season-ending knee injury last week in practice.

Baker, who started two games and played in 10, caught 19 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown. His production tailed off during the Wildcats' five-game losing streak, though, as he had just five receptions for 39 yards in that time.

The rookie receiver suffered a non-contact injury — which will require surgery — when he cut awkwardly in a drill last week. Stoops said even if UK beats Louisville to reach the postseason, Baker would miss the bowl game.

In other injury news, Stoops was "hopeful" starting quarterback Patrick Towles, who sprained his left ankle against Tennessee and was in a protective boot after that game, would be at full strength this week.

As for Kentucky's "banged-up" secondary, Stoops said the bye week was helpful in getting the defensive backs healthy and "they should be out there this week ready to go." Backup offensive tackle Kyle Meadows (ankle) "probably will be a long shot to play."

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University of Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops previews upcoming game with Louisville. Nov. 24, 2014